The Real Estate Ripple

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with Cleo Aquino, President of the Greater Chicago Chapter of AREAA

Podcast Show Notes:
Episode Title:Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with Cleo Aquino of AREAA  
Episode Summary:Christy and Joe welcome Cleo Aquino, President of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), to discuss her personal and professional journey, the mission of AREAA, and the impact of advocacy in real estate. Cleo shares how AREAA advances sustainable homeownership, disaggregates critical data for better policymaking, and empowers first-time buyers through education. She also highlights upcoming social and fundraising events like the Dragon Boat Race and Swing for a Cause golf outing. Join us for an energizing conversation filled with community spirit, impactful initiatives, and leadership insights!
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Cleo Aquino’s background and journey into real estate
The mission and national impact of AREAA
Key policy wins, including census data disaggregation and renters' credit programs
Why first-time homebuyer education is crucial, especially for immigrant communities
Exciting AREAA Chicago events coming in 2025
Resources Mentioned:
AREAA State of Asia Report
Join AREAA Chicago: Join AREAA
AREAA Member benefits: AREAA Member Benefits
Connect with AREAA Chicago:Email: ChicagoAREAA@gmail.comWebsite: https://areaa.org/greaterchicago
Follow The Real Estate Ripple:Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Special Edition - Midland States Bank, Presenting Sponsor of The Three Rivers Home Expo!

In this special episode of The Real Estate Ripple, Joe and Christy sit down with Chris Marconi, a dedicated lender from Midland States Bank, the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Three Rivers Home Expo. Chris shares valuable insights on the current real estate market, tools and resources for buyers and sellers, and how Midland is supporting homeownership at every level.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Midland States Bank supports communities and fosters a positive internal culture.
Market trends affecting both buyers and sellers in 2025.
Details on programs like HomeReady, Home Possible, and a down payment assistance grant program through the Will County Center for Community Concerns (WC4).
Smart tips for first-time homebuyers navigating the mortgage process.
How bridge loans can help sellers transition smoothly into new homes.
What to expect at the Three Rivers Home Expo on April 26, including educational sessions, family activities, and opportunities to connect with experts.
Expo Highlights:
Breakout sessions on mortgages, home equity loans, and savings strategies
Vendor booths with home service professionals
Family-friendly activities: Home Depot projects, character visits, and more!
                           
                     
Midland States Bank                                                            Midland States Bank Mortgage Loan Officers
 
The Three Rivers Home Expo

The Home Improvement Series: The Importance of Pre-Listing Inspections with Scott Seaton of SLS Home Inspections.

The Real Estate Ripple
The Home Improvement Series: The Importance of Pre-Listing Inspections with Scott Seaton of SLS Home Improvement.
Hosts: Joe Medrano & Megan WendtlandGuest: Scott Seaton, former owner of SLS Home Inspection
Episode Summary:
Thinking about listing your home? Don’t miss this episode of The Real Estate Ripple as we sit down with longtime home inspector Scott Seaton of SLS Home Inspections. With over 6,000 inspections under his belt, Scott shares invaluable insights on what sellers (and agents) need to know before listing a property.
From structural damage hidden in attics to moldy crawl spaces, Scott breaks it all down using his famous “Cookies vs. Crumbs” analogy — helping you understand what’s a deal-breaker and what’s just a simple fix.
In This Episode:
Why pre-listing inspections can save sellers money, time, and deals
What to look for: Roof, attic, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and more
The “cookie and crumb” approach to home issues
Common mistakes sellers make before going to market
How regular home maintenance prevents costly problems
Why even new construction should be inspected
What a pre-listing inspection typically costs and includes
Pro Tips for Sellers:
“Water always wins” — fix small leaks before they become big problems
Document your home’s condition with date-stamped photos
Don’t ignore the attic or crawl space — inspectors won’t!
🔗 Resources & Contact:
SLS Home Inspections                                    (815) 644-6271slshomeinspections.com24/7 Online Scheduling          
Thanks for Listening!
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate, and share The Real Estate Ripple! Follow us on social media for more updates, tips, and upcoming episodes.
 
 
 

The Three Rivers 2nd Annual Home Expo Presented by Midland States Bank with Scott Gajewski and Molly Babyak.

Join hosts Christy and Joe on The Real Estate Ripple as they dive into all the details of the Second Annual Three Rivers Home Expo, happening April 26 at Countryside Banquets in Joliet, IL. Special guests Scott Gajewski and Molly Babyak share exciting updates, including a more accessible venue, expanded vendor lineup, family-friendly activities, and new breakout sessions. Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, or just looking for great home resources, this free event has something for everyone. A link to the Home Expo website is below.
Key Highlights:
Guests: Scott Gajewski (Vice Chair of the Home Expo Committee, lender with Fairway) and Molly Babyak (Director of Events at Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®).
Purpose: The expo connects homeowners, first-time buyers, and the community with vendors and organizations that support homeownership.
New Features This Year:
More accessible venue with free, ample parking.
More family-friendly activities, including a kids' area, Home Depot workshops, and surprise princess appearances.
Breakout sessions from vendors on home improvement, financing, estate planning, and more.
Expanded focus beyond realtors to include home services, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.
Vendors & Sponsors: Over 50 expected vendors, with sponsors including Midland States Bank, loanDepot, MRED, and more.
Registration Encouraged: Free event, but preregistration at ThreeRiversHomeExpo.com allows for express check-in.
Also, a very big "thank you" to our Presenting Sponsor, Midland States Bank!
   
 
 

Built from the Ground Up - Tips and Tricks for Success with Rachel Derry and Victoria Kroll Mallek

In this episode of 'The Real Estate Ripple' podcast, hosts Christy Murawski and Megan Wendtland, welcome Rachel Derry from TownCenter Realty and Victoria Kroll Malik from Century 21 Pride, two accomplished realtors, to discuss their career journeys and share valuable insights. Victoria and Rachel discuss their professional backgrounds before entering real estate, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. They emphasize the importance of social media, networking, mentorship, and the right mindset for success in the Real Estate industry. Both guests highlight the significance of finding joy in their work, maintaining a strict schedule, and continuous learning. The podcast offers actionable advice for new and struggling agents on building a robust career in real estate.